Wetland provides sanctuary for a rich variety of animals and plants, and many are listed as nature reserves. They are also one of the favorite destinations of Shanghai residents for a spring outing.

As a coastal city, Shanghai has been making efforts to preserve and expand its area of wetland in recent years. It now has six wetland parks and one more is being created. Most of the parks are located in the outlying areas of the city, providing habitats for about 400 kinds of birds, 250 kinds of fishes, hundreds of species of invertebrates and some 300 kinds of plants — representing up to 80 percent of Shanghai’s flora and fauna, according to the latest statistics of local landscape authorities.

Here are four wetland parks in locations across the city. Spring is the ideal time to visit as the temperatures are pleasant and life there is stirring after the cold months of winter.

The park is located southeast of Lingang New City in the Pudong New Area with a total area of almost 2 hectares. Built on shoals created by a land reclamation project, it is very close to Dishui Lake. It is known as a good spot for viewing migratory birds.

Located at the east side of Chongming Island with a total area of 181 hectares, it is a national bird sanctuary. The park preserves the original wetland plant life of the Yangtze River estuary, while the introduction of various saline tolerant plants has attracted many species of animals. It also has an experimental base for breeding the critically endangered Chinese alligator. It’s a successful example of preservation and renovation of original wetland.

The park is located in the east of Baoshan District, built on the site of a Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) fort. With a total area of more than 110 hectares, it preserves original Yangtze River wetland. Platforms provide spectacular views of the Yangtze River.

Unlike the three wetland parks above, it is located in the central area of the city. It was created in October, 2009 as one of the major landscaped areas of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai site. Occupying 18 hectares, it stands on the site of the factory of Pudong Steel Group and Houtan Vessel Repair Factory. It preserves the original wetland habitat of the Huangpu River, and visitors can see both Nanpu Bridge and Lupu Bridge.